Local Athletes Qualify to Compete in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Craig and Stephanie Becker of Milwaukee as two of 62 athletes to represent Team Wisconsin at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in Princeton, New Jersey on June 14-21, 2014. Wisconsin athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, bocce, bowling, flag football, gymnastics, powerlifting and volleyball.

Craig Becker, who has been involved with SOWI for 27 years, participates in basketball, softball and volleyball. He is familiar with high-level competition. He attended the 1999 Special Olympics World Games in Raleigh, North Carolina. One of his proudest sports moments came during the 1999 Games when he served game point for his team in volleyball. He and his wife, Stephanie Becker, will both be traveling to New Jersey as members of Team Wisconsin. When he’s not training for Special Olympics, Becker works at Green 7.

“Special Olympics allows me to compete at a higher level and meet other teams,” said Becker. “I have been able to stay physically fit, enjoy many sports and travel for competitions.”

This will be Becker’s second trip to the USA Games. He attended the 2010 USA Games in Lincoln, Nebraska. He will compete in volleyball alongside his wife Stephanie.

Stephanie Becker has been involved with SOWI for 18 years, participates in basketball, bocce, powerlifting, softball and volleyball. She calls her husband Craig her biggest fan. Special Olympics has helped her accomplish her goal of living a healthier lifestyle. Through her training and competition, she has lost 30 pounds. When she’s not training for Special Olympics, Backer works at Gilles Frozen Custard.

“I am very excited about attending the USA Games,” said Becker. “I’m excited to meet new people from others states.”

This will be Becker’s first trip to the USA Games.

SOWI will host an official training camp for Team Wisconsin athletes on May 17-18, 2014 at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The 2014 USA Games will showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport, and celebrate the transformative power of Special Olympics. A total of 3,500 athletes, 1,000 coaches and delegates, 10,000 volunteers and 70,000 spectators will attend.

Sports competition will be held at venues throughout Mercer County, New Jersey, including Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Park and several area private schools. There will be ample opportunities for supporters across the state to show their spirit and join the team through volunteerism, donations and attendance. For more information or to learn more about how you can support a local athlete, visit www.SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.

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